World's First Hybrid Tug to Get a Sister
Foss Maritime Company, who delivered the world's first hybrid tugboat Carolyn Dorothy in 2009, is to refit a conventional tug of the same class to hybrid operation.
A $1 million grant obtained by the Port of Long Beach from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to the Port of Los Angeles will make possible the conversion to provide a second hybrid tug for the Southern California fleet. The aim is to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Foss will retrofit the 24m Dolphin Class tug Campbell Foss, The present twin Caterpillar 3512B HD main engines developing up to a total power of 3,800 kW and the mechanical drive will be replaced by electric motors driving the twin azimuthing pods. New diesel generators, batteries, and control systems will complete the hybrid changeover. Batteries may be charged using the onboard gensets or from a shore supply when alongside providing a cold ironing capability.
Projections anticipate a fuel saving of 100,000 galls of diesel fuel annually, and a substantial decrease of exhaust emissions with reduction estimates of at least 1.7 tons of particulate matter, 53 tons of nitrogen oxides, 1.2 tons of reactive organic gases and 1,340 tons of CO2. A significant reduction in noise and vibration levels is a further benefit.

A Dolphin Class tug. (photo credit: Foss Maritime Company)
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